Beckham hopes to make US
history
Beckham said he had been teased about his pay
packet.
David Beckham says he is moving to LA Galaxy to be "part of
history". The 31-year-old will leave Real Madrid at the end of the
season after signing a deal worth $55m a year to play in Major
League Soccer. "Of course it's a huge amount of money... an amazing
amount," Beckham told ABC News' Good Morning America. "I'm going
for the life, for my kids and my wife to enjoy it, but the main
thing for me is to improve the soccer and to be part of
history."
The former England captain reiterated that his move was not
financially driven, although he admitted some people were amused by
his new salary. "I said yesterday and some people laughed at me,
but this move for me is not about the money," he continued. "I
think soccer can be a lot bigger in the US. From a young age kids
are brought up with soccer, then they seem to go into other areas.
"Hopefully that's what I'll be there for, to pass my experience on
to them."
Beckham is reported to have turned down offers in England in order
to play in the US, a decision which did not surprise his former
manager Sir Alex Ferguson. "I anticipated that. It
was to be expected he would go to America," said the United boss.
"Having played for us and deep down being a United fan he would not
have come back to another English club. "We wish him well. He was a
terrific player for United. It is a big career change, playing for
Real Madrid and going to America.
"His position at Madrid has probably accelerated the move. He has
only played a few games this season and he cannot be happy with
that. Every top player wants to play."
Real president Ramon Calderon described Beckham as a "gentleman"
and said he understood the midfielder's decison not to sign a new
contract after falling out of favour with manager Fabio Capello.
"We have to thank Beckham for being a gentleman in the four years
he has been at Real Madrid," Calderon told the Real Madrid
website.
"Beckham's agent told us that they had a very interesting offer and
in the end, it has been the best situation for both parties and we
must celebrate it.
Real goalkeeper Iker Casillas described his team-mate as a
"magnificent person". "It's a pity," said Casillas. "Those of us
who have known him believe him to be a great player and a great
professional. He has given everything to Real Madrid.
"I feel fortunate to have known him because he is a magnificent
person. We are happy for him but equally sad because he is an
example for everyone of us."
